When Frank Lampard agreed on a one-year contract extension with Chelsea on Thursday, it showed what kind of character the veteran had.

Chelsea was able to keep the 34-year-old past this summer on Thursday, despite there being rumors that he may move to the United States, according to ESPN.

Since moving to Chelsea from West Ham in 2001, Lampard has been the model of what a true leader should be, aiding the Blues to three Premier League championships, four FA Cups, a Champions League title and the Europa League trophy on Wednesday.

I'm absolutely delighted. Everybody knows I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea. We've been talking for ages and even though it went on for quite a period it was always amicable.

It's not just that Lampard re-signed with the club. It's the way he went about looking at different options from January onward.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Lampard was certainly free to at least check out where his other options lied. In fact, he had a right to. He had been so loyal to Chelsea for so many years that even if he would have left, you couldn't have said a bad word about him.

But he focused on the team first and foremost, keeping discussions in the background private. In fact, despite a new manager about to take over the club with interim manager Rafa Benitez leaving this summer, Lampard wasn't even concerned about who he would be playing for.

Were you surprised that Frank Lampard re-signed with Chelsea?

YesNoSubmit Votevote to see results

Were you surprised that Frank Lampard re-signed with Chelsea?

Yes

13.9%

No

86.1%

Total votes: 567

He said, via ESPN, "I didn't make any enquiries nor were guarantees made to me about who the next manager would be."

The veteran trusts Chelsea will make the right hire when the time comes. It proves that he's in this for the long haul. It's very rare that you see stars display such a devotion to a single club (ahem, looking at you, Robin van Persie), but Lampard is a shining exception.

When Frank Lampard eventually retires, he will be remembered not only for his contribution to Chelsea, but also for the dignity he exuded throughout his storied career.